Why it's done

Peritoneal dialysis may be done to manage kidney failure until a kidney transplant is possible. Kidney failure itself usually results from a long-term (chronic) disease that causes kidney damage over a number of years. Common causes of kidney failure include:

Diabetes

High blood pressure (hypertension)

Kidney inflammation (glomerulonephritis)

Multiple cysts in the kidneys (polycystic kidney disease)

Your doctor can help you decide which type of dialysis will work best for you and when you should start, based on several factors:

Your overall health

Your kidney function (as measured by blood and urine tests)

Your personal preferences

Your home situation

Peritoneal dialysis may be the better option if:

You can't tolerate the rapid changes of fluid balance associated with hemodialysis. During hemodialysis, your blood is pumped into a machine to be filtered and then returned to your body.

You want to minimize the disruption of your daily activities and work or travel more easily.

Peritoneal dialysis might not work for you if:

You have extensive surgical scars in your abdomen

You have a large abdominal hernia

You have a limited ability to care for yourself or lack caregiving support at home

You have inflammatory bowel disease or frequent bouts of diverticulitis

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